Certifying Organizations
Course Description
Whether intentional or not, logical fallacies are mistakes in reasoning. They’re specific problems in arguments that lead to incorrect conclusions. There are many logical fallacies, but some are more common and relevant. These include fallacies of relevance, fallacies of unacceptable premises, and formal fallacies. These are often shortcuts we find ourselves tempted to take. But it’s not recommended that you use fallacies in your arguments. Even the best reasoners make mistakes and have occasional slip-ups. Logical reasoning isn’t easy, and it requires practice. What are the different types of fallacies? How can you avoid them in your arguments?
In this course, Logical Fallacies, you will learn about the different types of fallacies people use in their arguments. This includes informal fallacies, such as the red herring and the slippery slope. It also includes formal fallacies, including affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent. You will also learn how to avoid logical fallacies by considering all of the evidence and putting aside your personal preferences. By the end of this course, you will have the skills to make better arguments.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the fallacies of relevance
- Identify the fallacies of unacceptable premises
- Become familiar with the formal errors in logical reasoning
- Recognize the tendency toward making a fallacious argument
- Practice the skills to make effective logical reason-based conclusions
What You'll Learn
- Describe the fallacies of relevance, such as the red herring
- Identify the fallacies of unacceptable premises, such as the slippery slope
- Recognize formal fallacies, including affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent
- Recognize your own tendency toward making fallacious arguments
- Avoid logical fallacies by considering all the evidence and putting aside personal preferences
- Practice the skills to make effective, logic-based conclusions and better arguments
Key Takeaways
- Logical fallacies are mistakes in reasoning, whether intentional or not, that lead to incorrect conclusions.
- Common fallacies include fallacies of relevance, fallacies of unacceptable premises, and formal fallacies.
- Informal fallacies include the red herring and the slippery slope, while formal fallacies include affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent.
- Even the best reasoners make occasional mistakes, and logical reasoning requires practice.
- You can avoid fallacies by considering all of the evidence and putting aside your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fallacies does this course cover?
The course covers fallacies of relevance, fallacies of unacceptable premises, and formal fallacies. It addresses informal fallacies such as the red herring and the slippery slope, and formal fallacies including affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent.
How does the course teach you to avoid logical fallacies?
It teaches you to avoid logical fallacies by considering all of the evidence and putting aside your personal preferences.
What will I be able to do by the end of this course?
By the end of the course, you will have the skills to make better arguments and to make effective, logic-based conclusions.
What lessons are included in this course?
The lessons are Introduction, Fallacies of Relevance, Fallacies of Unacceptable Premises, Formal Fallacies, Avoiding Logical Fallacies, and Test Your Knowledge.
Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.25
KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).
